"Queens Teen's Church Assault Arrest Sparks Controversy"

The mother of a 16-year-old robbery suspect in Queens, who is accused of brutally mugging a woman outside a church, defended her son as a "good boy" despite his long arrest record. The teen attempted suicide in custody before his arraignment on robbery and assault charges for the mugging. The victim, a 68-year-old woman, suffered a fractured skull in the attack. The teen has a history of arrests, including eight for robberies, and the district attorney emphasized the seriousness of the charges. The mother claims to be unaware of her son's mental problems and insists that he attends school and counseling.